A new demonstration facility, dedicated exclusively to Gallus Screeny products, recently opened at the company’s Ivyland, PA, USA, office. The first of its kind in North America, the Screeny Demo Room has allowed customers to experience the new Gallus Screeny 600 automated wash-out unit and the Phoenix UV LED direct imaging unit without having to travel to Screeny headquarters in Switzerland.

Tony Wojciechowski, product specialist for Screeny products, recently sat down with L&NW to explain the benefits of Gallus’ newest technologies, as well as how customers have enjoyed the new Demo Room. In addition to high-quality Screeny materials, Gallus has machines that automate the screen making process. The Phoenix direct imaging unit, which was introduced in 2017, images high-quality screens without the need for a film positive. Most recently, Gallus launched the Screeny 600, an automatic washing and drying unit for screen making. 

L&NW: With SKU proliferation, how important are embellishments when standing out on crowded shelves?
TW: Most customers make their choice of what to buy in a grocery store within seconds in front of the shelf. Based on this fact an outstanding product design helps to raise attention and therefore sales, and our products play a significant role in this process.

L&NW: What does Gallus offer to help deliver eye-catching embellishments?
TW: Gallus Screeny offers a wide range of design options, from visual to haptic special effects, which ensure a high recognition value. The no-label look, which involves applying transparent labels to product packaging, is one very special feature. We also deliver a wide range of special effects for converters. They include metallic doming, security printing, 3D effects with relief printing, varnishing, matte and glossy effects, thermochromatic and glitter colors, scented coatings, braille embossed printing, tactile printing, large pigments, among others.

L&NW: How have Gallus Screeny printing plates evolved over the years?
TW: Over the past 40 years the Gallus Screeny product has continually improved, and the product range extended. Starting with a machine width of a few inches, today we print widths of  greater than 40″. Also the demand for very precise fine text and graphics up to a full printed surface is much more complex than it was in the past. By adding all screen types for specialty effects, we have created a cutting-edge product portfolio of more than 40 different types. We have the right solution for each challenge. 

For label manufacturers who do a lot of screen printing, I encourage them to take a look at our two new machines. They’ve really revolutionized the screen making process – saving you and your prepress operators a lot of time.

L&NW: What are the advantages of going with Screeny versus the competition?
TW: To name just a few advantages, we offer a wide range of Screeny products for every need imaginable. We have products that meet demand for solid image for fine lines, text and tactile elements; S-Line for normal use; and A-Line for high speed printing and longer Screeny life. When it comes to digital technology, we have a digital line with a Lams layer for masking on CDI, as well as UV-Cts technology of imaging of all UV-sensitive plates. Plus, we promote a modular concept. Our philosophy allows for upgrades in both prepress and the presses as your business changes and grows.

L&NW: How does Gallus’ wide range of printing equipment and consumers aid converters in their print journey?
TW: Heidelberg-Gallus offers the full package, from equipment, consumables, service, consulting and training. All of these factions of our business fit together, and there are no compromises in handling, ease of use and quality. 

L&NW: What can we expect from Gallus in the future in the narrow web space?
We will continue to deliver the best customer service and solutions for our customers. We also have a lot of new things are in the pipeline, so stay tuned.